Sports

City Council agreed Tuesday night to fulfill at least part of the Mermaid Society SMTX’s request for $25,000 to help pay for the Mermaid Parade and Aqua Faire in September. The council directed staff to find money from the hotel occupancy tax, or HOT tax, for as much of the funding request as possible for the event this year. The HOT Tax is used to fund the city's art commission and other tourist driving programs and events within San Marcos. Mermaid Society received funding from the Arts Commission for last year's event, but society founder July Moreno said her involvement with the commission led her to seek funding elsewhere to avoid a conflict of interest.

Those who advocated for the city to fund the Mermaid Parade and Aqua Faire said it's an opportunity to invest in the community's creative collaboration, environmental stewardship and attract tourism money to the area.

Those opposed to using city dollars for the event said it is wasteful spending when the city faces issues arising from unprecedented flooding, educational challenges and economic disparities.